What are common signs of plant diseases?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.You notice that your plants aren't doing well, and you wonder what the symptoms of a potential sickness might look like. I learned the hard way when my cucumbers drooped overnight from unnoticed root rot. Catching these signs early will save your garden. Leaf deformities, abnormal growths, and plant behavior are the signs to check for.
Leaf Symptoms
- Irregular spots with colored halos spreading across leaves
- Unusual yellowing or browning patterns between veins
- Powdery or fuzzy coatings indicating fungal infections
Stem and Branch Signs
- Cankers or oozing lesions on woody stems
- Abnormal swelling at graft unions or nodes
- Sudden dieback of branches without leaf symptoms
Root System Warnings
- Dark mushy roots with foul rotting odor
- Poor anchoring causing plants to lift easily
- Limited fine root development in healthy soil
Observe behavioral changes, such as drooping or wilting, with correct watering. My roses drooped daily, even with wet soil, indicating a vascular disease. Watch for stunted growth pattern/s in which the plants cease developing normally. A comparison of diseased plants and healthy material is essential to arrive at the right diagnosis.
Respond accordingly to these signals. Isolate and remove plants with multiple symptoms from all pots immediately. Record with photos taken with date, while tracking spot size or spread. Consider testing soil conditions, as many issues, such as compaction, can resemble disease symptoms.
Utilize technology effectively. Applications such as Plantix are designed to identify symptoms by comparing pictures to an existing database. Submit images that are clear of both the affected and healthy plant tissue. To ensure that the results apply to your local region, cross-reference your findings with sources that provide more localized garden experiences.
Read the full article: Comprehensive Guide to Identify Plant Diseases
